Balik Pulau residents without piped water for four days

ABOUT 10,000 account holders in the southwest (Balik Pulau) districts in George Town have been without piped water for four consecutive days as the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) works to restore supply after its major disruption works.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has estimated that some 10,000 households continue to be without water due to the unfortunate leakage of the riverbed piping under Sg Perai in Butterworth since yesterday.

"If not for the leakage, the majority of those without water would have their supply restored by now," Chow said after visiting Penang Hill today.

He launched the "I Love Penang" signage which was sponsored by the Lions Club of George Town here.

Chow said that 88% of the Balik Pulau district has had water restored since early today after the scheduled disruption began on Wednesday.

The unprecedented four-day disruption is scheduled to end by 6am tomorrow.

The other districts of George Town (northeast), Butterworth (northern Prai), Bukit Mertajam (central Prai) and Nibong Tebal (southern Prai), had supply fully restored after PBAPP successfully repaired and replaced two leaking valves at its Sg Dua Water Treatment Plant in Tasek Gelugor and completed ancillary works in 22 other locations ahead of schedule.

As for the riverbed pipe, Chow said that PBAPP is pumping water at a lower pressure and it takes time to reach consumers, predominantly in the Setia Triangle area in Bayan Lepas, Teluk Kumbar, Sg Batu and part of Sg Ara.

A number of water tankers and static tankers have been deployed to the area under the close supervision of Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz.

Consumers reported either low-pressure or dry taps in those areas.

A total of RM180 million has been set aside by PBAPP for this scheduled water disruption exercise although it remains vague whether the amount is sourced through loans or the coffers of water concessionaires.

PBAPP through its listed arm of PBA Holdings Berhad, is considered one of the better managed utility bodies in the country but recent disruptions have tarnished its reputation. - The Vibes, January 13, 2024.